Australia's uranium has been mined since 1954, and three mines are currently operating. Australia's known uranium resources are the world's largest - 29% of the world total. It is the world's third-ranking producer, behind Kazakhstan and Canada.

Belgium has seven nuclear reactors generating about half of its electricity. Belgium's first commercial nuclear power reactor began operating in 1974. There has been little government support for nuclear energy.

Bulgaria has two nuclear reactors generating about 30% of its electricity. Bulgaria's first commercial nuclear power reactor began operating in 1974. Government commitment to the future of nuclear energy is strong, though finance is lacking.

About 15% of Canada's electricity comes from nuclear power. For many years Canada has been a leader in nuclear research and technology, as well as a high proportion of the world supply of radioisotopes used in medical diagnosis and cancer therapy.

China has become self-sufficient in most aspects of the fuel cycle. The country aims to produce one-third of its uranium domestically, obtain one-third through foreign equity in mines and joint ventures overseas, and to purchase one-third on the open market.

China has become largely self-sufficient in reactor design and construction, as well as other aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. The strong impetus for nuclear power in China is increasingly due to air pollution from coal-fired plants.

The Czech Republic has six nuclear reactors generating about one-third of its electricity. Its first commercial nuclear power reactor began operating in 1985. Government commitment to the future of nuclear energy is strong.

France derives about 75% of its electricity from nuclear energy. This is due to a long-standing policy based on energy security. Government policy is to reduce this to 50% by 2035. France is the world's largest net exporter of electricity due to its very low cost of nuclear generation.